Longtime Ronan superintendent retires

Vice-principal steps into position 

 By MEGAN STRICKLAND

for the Lake County Leader 

Ronan Superintendent Andy Holmlund retired from education at the beginning of July, after serving 13 years in the position. 

Holmlund has accepted a position as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montana Unified School Trust. 

“It was time,” Holmlund said. “I just felt it was time and an opportunity arose for me that fit my skills. Those positions don’t open up very often.” 

Holmlund went through kindergarten through high school in the Ronan School District as a student and said he did the same thing as an educator and ascended to the superintendent position. 

“It’s been an absolute blessing to serve the people of our community and valley,” Holmlund said. “It’s an absolute privilege.”

Holmlund said that he plans to commute back and forth to Helena to run the trust while his children remain in school in the district. The trust provides health benefits for teachers. 

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Holmlund said. 

Stepping into Holmlund’s place is Mark Johnston, who was Ronan Middle School principal until he was promoted to interim superintendent last week. 

Johnston got his start in education in Ekalaka before moving onto Glasgow where he taught math and coached wrestling for 17 years. Johnston came to the Ronan District eight years ago. He spent two years as vice-principal before taking the helm as principal of Ronan Middle School. 

Johnston said he has had a life-long attraction to teaching.

“It’s been a passion of mine right from the beginning,” Johnston said. “I knew I wanted to work with kids and it became a passion.

More than 20 members of his family are teachers, as are two children. 

“Education is very important to our family and it’s something that’s in our blood,” Johnston said.  “It’s been an awesome fit.” 

Johnston said that he plans on focusing on academics in the upcoming school year. 

“I think right now our main focus is going to be on academics,” Johnston said. “Our facilities are in great shape. We really have some nice building projects that have been completed, so my main focus is going to improving academics throughout the district.” 

Johnston said a committee will soon be put together to find a replacement for the middle school principal vacancy.